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Artist List:
Amampondo
Amjad Ali Khan
Asad Qizilbash
Bembeya Jazz
Chico Cesar
Clave Y Guaguanco
Eliza Carthy Big Band
Ensemble Kaboul
Jimmy Cliff
Julien Jacob
LoJo
Manecas Costa
Manu Dibango and
Ray Lema
Nitin Sawhney
Ojos de Brujo
Oumou Sangare
Pape and Cheikh
Samba Sunda
Sevara Nazarkhan
Sierra Maestra
Super Rail Band
Temple of Sound
Teofilo Chantre
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Profile:
Chico César
 
'O Rei do Gado' ('King Of The Herd') is one of Brazil's most popular TV soaps. Unlike Eastenders or Corrie however, the programme's theme tune is written by a nationally and internationally renowned star; Chico César.
This remarkable multifaceted musician was born at the bottom of the social ladder in the north-eastern Brazilian town of Catolé do Rocha, Paraiba State. He absorbed the fertile nordestiño tradition of improvised poetry from the wandering repentista troubadours and the jump up rhythms of forró from the ever-blasting radio. His aunt Maria managed to get him a scholarship to a local school run by German nuns, where she worked as a washerwoman. Meantime he earned a few extra coins working at a local record store where he absorbed all the sounds of Brazil's opulent music tradition.
After graduating from the local university with a degree in journalism, César moved to São Paolo where he started to perform at alternative clubs and halls whilst working as a copy editor and reporter. He was also writing songs like there was no tomorrow and some of his 300 or more compositions have been covered by Brazilian music royalty like Daniela Mercury, Elba Ramalho and Maria Bethania.
Chico released his first solo album "'Aos Vivos" in 1995, but only struck gold with its follow up "Cuscuz Clã", which featured the international hit "Mama Africa". In 1997 he teamed up with a purely Afro-Brazilian choir and rappers Thaide e DJ Hum to record the album "Beleza Mano".
Since the mid 1990s Chico César has toured the four corners of the globe and collaborated with artists as diverse as Ray Lema, Da Lata and the Fabulous Troubadours. He is one of Brazil's most fascinating composers and musical ambassadors.
Biography by Andy Morgan, July 2003
Official website:
Chico Cesar website
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